Jim -
Have you read BOTH of the following FAQs?:
ULTRAMATIC: Ultramatic Transmission - A Primer ULTRAMATIC: What Fluid to Use Quote:
I drive a 54th series (1954 Cavalier) with the non-gear start Ultramatic transmission. In "H" range the only thing shifting is the direct clutch.
The only automatic shift you should experience in the original, non-GearStart, Ultramatic is into and out of Direct Drive - in both
Low and
High range.
Quote:
As I understand the original fluid was a hydraulic fluid and it contained some Whale oil which gave a little slip (friction modifier). I believe Whale oil is now unobtainium. Is this what they called type "A"?...
In the beginning, there was only
Type A. Friction modifiers came later, resulting in
AQ-ATF (aka -
Type A, Suffix A), and then
Dexron (aka - Type B). Whale oil was later eliminated, replaced with alternate friction modifiers, which resulted in
Dexron II.
Dexron III was later formulated specifically for the needs of electronic transmissions.
Meanwhile, Ford had broken away with their own formulation,
Type F, to meet their particular choice of friction materials, but eventually changed to
Mercon, which is so similar to
Dexron III that they're considered to be interchangeable.
Discussing synthetic ATF is so confusing that it makes my head hurt; purchasing synthetic ATF makes my wallet hurt. Personally, I would only use synthetic fluid where specified and required by the vehicle manufacturer. I can't think of any real advantage to use a synthetic in the Ultramatic.
Quote:
When I was at the local auto store they don't stock anything called Dexron III but they told me the DEX-Merc was the same stuff, so I got a couple of quarts but have not dumped it in the transmission yet.
Read the label on the back of the bottle; it should advise of compatibility WRT
Dexron III.
Dexron,
Type F and
B&M Trickshift fluids seem to be compatible with the Ultramatic, but what works best depends on your particular situation. If you're not having any problems try
Dexron. If not satisfied, do a COMPLETE drain and refill with
Type F. Still not satisfied, try
Trickshift. Beyond that, it's probably time for repair or rebuild.
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